Popcorn and politics were the focus Oct. 12 at The Islander’s candidate forum in Holmes Beach.
The event at the newspaper office featured live music by Trevor Bystrom, refreshments and statements from local candidates for elected office.
John Chappie and Bill Vincent, who are vying for the Bradenton Beach Ward 4 commission seat, as well as Anna Maria General Store owner Brian Seymour, who is running for city commission in Anna Maria, addressed the crowd.
County commission candidates for the District 3 seat, Matt Bower, Steve Jonsson and David Zaccagnino, as well as District 7 at-large candidates Betsy Benac and Jack Richardson, spoke to the gathering on the sidewalk at the newspaper office.
Big changes are afoot in little Bradenton Beach and Chappie and Vincent both said they are running to support residents’ rights.
Chappie, an outgoing Manatee County commissioner and previous Bradenton Beach commissioner and mayor, spoke before Vincent.
“This election is all about the community,” Chappie said. “It’s about the residents, because the residents are what make up the community.”
Chappie is concerned Bradenton Beach is losing the character of its residential neighborhoods as more “party house” rental units pop up.
He cited legislative changes in 2011 curtailing local government’s home rule, which limited the city’s authority to regulate vacation rentals.
“Our representatives never should have done that to us, and I’ve told them that,” Chappie said.
Chappie said this challenge needs to be addressed before the situation gets worse, and a proposed six-month building moratorium — to be decided by voters on Election Day — will help address the problem.
Chappie continued his presentation with a discussion of changes to the Bradenton Beach community redevelopment agency plan.
Chappie said he believes planning for the CRA needs to be performed “holistically,” not in a “piecemeal” manner. He said too much focus is put on the pier and other areas need equal consideration.
“It’s our community, we love it and we need to pay attention to what’s going on around us — not just with the city but with the state,” Chappie said.
Vincent next took the microphone and addressed the crowd, closing out the forum.
He first addressed the proposed moratorium, saying it “should never have been necessary” as the commission had “ample opportunity” to fix the problems. He fully supports passage of the moratorium.
Vincent said if elected, he would work to uphold the recommendations made by the planning and zoning board to further regulate noise, trash and parking, as well as occupancy in vacation rentals.
Vincent said another problem facing Bradenton Beach residents is the “destruction on Bridge Street.” He cited tree removal, the installation of bunker-style landscape features and neglect.
As commissioner, he said he would encourage the Scenic WAVES Partnership Committee to work with Bridge Street business owners, residents and landscapers “to make Bridge Street beautiful again.”
Vincent also said he will fight a parking garage proposed by City Commissioner Jake Spooner, saying it is “inconsistent” with the comprehensive plan and Spooner’s involvement is “clearly a conflict of interest.” The proposed location for the garage is in close proximity to Spooner’s businesses on Bridge Street.
“This parking garage would solely benefit the merchants on Bridge Street,” Vincent said.
He said the commission is ignoring the comprehensive plan, which prohibits a freestanding parking structure and he has further concerns that the commission intends to revise the plan to support its agenda.
“Tourism and business are more than adequately represented by the commission,” Vincent said. “Residents, families and neighborhoods are underserved, and I plan to change that.”
Vincent concluded his presentation by saying that his campaign is 100 percent supported by residents, friends and family, while more than 50 percent of Chappie’s contributions come from businesses and politicians.
Bradenton Beach resident, “Bicycle” Jim Hassett said, “We have two very interested and qualified people here — it’s a shame it has come to a decision between the two.”
Bradenton Beach registered voters will cast their ballots Tuesday, Nov. 8, at precinct No. 307, Bradenton Beach Fire Hall, 201 Second St. N.
Campaign funding
The two candidates for the Ward 4 seat on the Bradenton Beach commission — John Chappie and Bill Vincent — have received comparable campaign contributions from different sources.
As of Sept. 29, Chappie received $3,815 in contributions from 15 sources, including three businesses — Bridgewalk Partners LLC, Pines Trailer Park and Silver Surf Gulf Beach Resort. Chappie also received contributions from two politicians — County Commissioner Carol Whitmore and previous Bradenton City Commissioner Pat Glass — and 10 individuals, two hoteliers, David Teitelbaum and Danny Canniff.
In comparison, Bill Vincent has garnered $3,659 in monetary contributions from 37 sources, including one business — Bazzy Marine Corp. — and 36 individuals. Of the three candidates competing for two seats on the Anna Maria City Commission Nov. 8, only one has received multiple donations.
As of the Sept. 29 reporting deadline, Brian Seymour had received $2,000 from eight sources, including a $500 donation from himself.
Seymour received six donations from individuals, and one $500 donation from the Motorcoach Store, owned by Bradenton resident Bradley Twait.
Incumbent Nancy Yetter received $200 in donations, a $100 self-contribution and $100 from an individual.
Fellow incumbent Chuck Webb made only a $62 contribution to himself.
Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy, unopposed for a second two-year term, made a $1,000 self-contribution.